Erin Cuthbert keeps Chelsea flying high with victory over Arsenal in Women’s Super League

Cuthbert’s second goal was a well-struck volleyJordan Mansfield/Getty Images

Arsenal, the injury-hit league leaders, fell to a 2-1 defeat against a Chelsea team “in the ascendancy”, with an Erin Cuthbert brace enough for three points, despite a nervy last ten minutes as Vivianne Miedema pulled one back for the home side.

This game was an entirely different proposition to the opening-day encounter in which Arsenal romped to a 5-0 victory. Since then and before today Chelsea had played 12 league games without conceding.

Up at 4am with her baby, the Chelsea manager Emma Hayes insisted that defending the title was the last thing on her mind.

“Ever since that Arsenal game we have been in the ascendancy,” Hayes said. “We didn’t take first position in the league until April last year. We are third,…

Want to read more?

Subscribe now and get unlimited digital access on web and our smartphone and tablet apps, free for your first month.